ŠKODA will be presenting the full range of its mobility services at the Geneva Motor Show from 5 to 17 March. The ŠKODA VISION iV concept study offers a concrete look ahead at the first all-electric ŠKODA based on the MEB modular electric car platform.
What’s more, ŠKODA will be presenting an innovative mobility solution for the city – the KLEMENT, an electric two-wheel concept. This looks back on the brand’s history, which began 124 years ago with its founding fathers Václav Laurin and Václav Klement producing bicycles.
ŠKODA VISION iV
The all-electric VISION iV concept study offers a look ahead at ŠKODA’s electric future. By introducing its first vehicle to be based on Volkswagen Group’s MEB modular electric car platform, the Czech brand is taking the next step in its journey towards eMobility. The four‑door crossover coupé impresses with sporty, emotive lines and exudes a feeling of spaciousness. A dynamic driving experience is ensured by all-wheel drive and two electric motors outputting 225 kW (306 PS).
The VISION iV is 4,665 mm long, 1,926 mm wide and has a height of 1,613 mm. Dynamic lines lend it a sporty appearance. Even from the outside, the interior’s spacious feel is evident from the new proportions created by a short bonnet and a long passenger cabin. The VISION iV offers a concrete preview of ŠKODA’s first production car to be based on Volkswagen Group’s MEB platform.
Reinterpreted ŠKODA grille and a horizontal light strip
The concept car features a horizontal light strip that – running across the reinterpreted, wide, covered ŠKODA grille that has delicate vertical slats and crystalline structures – spans the entire width of the vehicle and connects the Matrix LED headlights. The athletic side view of the VISION iV is shaped by bold wings and a coupé-like roofline. The doors do not have any handles – just a touch will open them automatically. Classic wing mirrors have been replaced by cameras providing a 180-degree view which is relayed in the rear-view mirror. The multi-level arrangement of the instrument panel and centre console as well as a seemingly floating screen add a new dimension to the interior.
Two electric motors and consistent smartphone integration
The zero-emission ŠKODA VISION iV is powered by two electric motors – one on the front axle and one on the rear axle – giving the VISION iV all-wheel drive. The power of 225 kW (306 PS) is distributed to the wheels depending on requirements, thus providing a dynamic yet safe driving performance. The car has a maximum range of 500 km (310 miles) in the WLTP cycle; the 83 kWh battery can be charged to 80 per cent in just 30 minutes.
The VISION iV has a top speed of 180 km/h. Thanks to maximum torque being immediately available at all times, the VISION iV can reach a speed of 100 km/h (0-62 mph) from a standing start in just 5.9 seconds; the short burst from 80 to 120 km/h (50 to 75 mph) takes less than 4 seconds. The car also boasts a maximum range of up to 500 km in the WLTP cycle.
Through the use of laser scanners, radar sensors and cameras, the concept car can perfectly navigate its surroundings. In suitable situations it can even drive autonomously and park by itself. Comprehensive connectivity features allow for direct communication with other road users, cars and the infrastructure.
The latest-generation infotainment system provides access to ŠKODA’s numerous mobile online services and is not only able to master gestures and voice command but also to fully integrate the driver’s and front passenger’s smartphones into the operating concept. Using the smartphone as a digital key, the VISION iV can be unlocked and started. The concept car also monitors the driver’s heart rate, thus offering increased safety, and, if necessary, brakes automatically to come to a complete stop.
An airy, spacious feel and new highlights in the large interior
The VISION iV’s interior echoes the design of the VISION E concept study and further enhances it. It is a role model for future electric cars from the Czech car manufacturer. ŠKODA designers have made use of the lack of a classic transmission tunnel to give the instrument panel and centre console a striking new arrangement. This lends the interior a particularly spacious feel. The lowest level offers plenty of storage space between the driver and front passenger seats. Above this, there is a movable and particularly easy-to-reach centre console. This provides space for control units and two mobile phones, which can be wirelessly integrated into the infotainment and operating systems, and charged inductively.
The instrument panel consists of two levels that are delicate and light. It continues the shape of the vehicle’s front; decorative stitching and ambient lighting also accentuate these lines. The large screen appears to float in the centre above the instrument panel; there is a hand rest in front of it for use while operating the touchscreen. The exquisite, soft-foam surface with its specific texture resembles crystalline structures and will be used in all ŠKODA cars in future. Ultrasuede®, a synthetic suede fabric, rounds off the instrument panel and door trims. Ultrasuede® is a premium material which is manufactured in a particularly eco-friendly way.
The lower level of the instrument panel features striking decorative birch veneers with a matt finish that are extremely ductile and strong yet lightweight. These replace the classic air vents and create a sense of a natural flow of air. The wooden slats span virtually the entire width of the interior and are proof of the ŠKODA designers’ attention to detail. This is also evident in the illuminated door handles, the shape of which resembles those found in classic ŠKODAs such as the POPULAR. The airy feel and the generously spacious interior of the ŠKODA VISION iV are accentuated even further by a panoramic glass roof.
Steering wheel with new design and swivel seats
The VISION iV’s steering wheel also boasts a new design. It features just two spokes and ‘ŠKODA’ in block lettering instead of the usual ŠKODA logo; below it, a metal brace echoes the front of the vehicle. Buttons and particularly well-crafted knobs that appear to float on the steering wheel are both exquisitely designed and simple to use. The driving mode can be selected on the steering wheel; thus, all controls can be found together in one central position, in easy reach of the driver. The particularly lightweight swivel seats also contribute to the airy, spacious feel. The seats are covered in Dinamica®, a suede substitute that does not contain any animal-derived components, and includes perforations that shimmer with golden accents. Dinamica® is partially made from recycled polyester, which is also used for T-shirts and plastic (PET) bottles for example. Recycling polyester reduces CO2 emissions by approx. 80% compared to the production process using conventional materials. The backrests boast covers made from vegan vinyl fibres, whilst seat inserts feature a unique perforation pattern with golden accents. The footwell is covered by tufted floor mats made from pure bio-degradable wool.
ŠKODA KLEMENT
Pure, simple and intuitive to operate: the new KLEMENT electric mobility solution represents a modern and environmentally friendly lifestyle. The futuristic two-wheel concept positions itself as an ecological alternative to the car in the field of micromobility.
An electric rear hub motor and integrated brake energy recuperation accelerate the bike to a top speed of 45 km/h (28 mph); Two batteries allow for a range of more than 60 kilometres (37 miles). The KLEMENT is fully connected; For example, the current battery levels can be displayed via an app. In addition, a geographical boundary can be pre-defined, out of which the KLEMENT cannot ride.
